Teams of radio amateurs have responded to assist in the aftermath of powerful Cyclone Phailin, which came ashore at Odisha and Andhra Pradesh in the Bay of Bengal. The storm forced some 500,000 residents to evacuate ahead of the storm, which flooded thousands of homes. Jayu Bhide, VU2JAU, has asked other operators to keep 7145 kHz clear for disaster-related traffic. He says VU2DPI, VU3BHI, and VU2AOR are among the responders.

“It is raining heavily,” Jayu said October 13, “but so far no casualty was recorded. Earlier they had six swept into the water. The rescue work is in progress and not affected by rains.” The latest death toll is 21.

The cyclone affected a 150 kilometer stretch of coastline. Relief efforts were underway, with displaced residents being fed and housed in shelters. Many mud homes and farms were destroyed, and uprooted trees blocked roads, and windy and wet conditions remain in some areas.